Marissa Marie Gonzalez Obituary-Death: 21-Year-Old Killed in Fatal US-460 Crash
HAMPTON, Virginia — Marissa Marie Gonzalez, a 21-year-old Hampton woman, died following a devastating head-on collision on U.S. Route 460 in Southampton County, leaving her family and community mourning the loss of a young woman whose life was cut tragically short.
The crash occurred on February 20, 2026, near Ivor, close to the Sussex County line. Gonzalez was a passenger in a vehicle traveling on Route 460 when it was involved in a head-on collision with another car. She was approximately 20 weeks pregnant at the time.
Gonzalez was transported to a hospital following the crash but later died from her injuries. Her fiancé, Brandon Clark, was also seriously injured and hospitalized. The driver of the other vehicle, identified as 23-year-old Gerald Ababio, also suffered serious injuries.
Gonzalez’s death represented an especially painful loss for her loved ones because she was expecting a baby boy. Family and friends remembered her as a caring young woman who was excited about becoming a mother and building the next chapter of her life.
She had recently earned an associate degree from Virginia Peninsula Community College and was preparing to continue her education at Old Dominion University, with plans to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher. Those who knew her described her as kind, dedicated and warm, while tributes emphasized the impact she had on the people around her.
The case has since resulted in criminal charges. Authorities announced that Ababio was arrested on September 17, 2026, in connection with the crash. He faces charges including involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving, use of a handheld communication device while driving and failure to maintain lane. He was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in Southampton County General District Court on January 12, 2027.
Marissa’s death continues to be remembered by family, friends and members of the Hampton community as the loss of a young woman whose future included education, motherhood and a career dedicated to children.